MOTM

From: DAVEVOSH@...
> << Tannerin  >>
> 
> larry,
> let me trot out my ignorance once again and ask what this is supposed to
be? 
> i`ve never heard of it but you made it sound interesting!
> best,
> dave

Dave a Tannerin, as the name has been coined after the guy that built the
first one, Paul Tannerin, is an alternate controller for oscillator
frequency.  It was the instrument used to make the sliding oscillator
sounds on the Beach Boys song "Good Vibrations"  Many people mistakenly
believe this was a Theremin.  The Tannerin essentially produces a similar
output to the Theremin.  However, as anyone who has ever tried to play a
Theremin will testify (I own one), it is virtually impossible to pick those
notes out of thin air.  So, the Tannerin transfers that control to a slider
that travels along a horizontal surface.  A keyboard can be "drawn" on that
flat surface showing where to "slide" the control to so that you get in the
vicinity of the correct pitch.

I think the original Tannerin (and some of the Tom Polk designs) have a pot
operated with the left hand to control volume output of the internal
oscillator.  These were originally designed as "stand alone" instruments. 
However, one can see how a simple CV output would make them a relatively
cool modular controller.  Tom is working on the final stages of a CV
Tannerin as we speak.  I think to be a good modular controller, one would
need to add some method to generate gates or gate / triggers.

Dave B asked for the URL again, so here is Tom Polk's URL with information
about Theremins and Tannerins, along with links to other sites where you
can find more.  Be sure to check out Dave Millers Tannerin, built by Tom.
 
>                                      http://www.tompolk.com

Scroll down past the real estate parts to the "home built instruments"
link.

Enjoy,
Larry Hendry

In a message dated 99-11-30 00:04:06 EST, you write:

<< So, the Tannerin transfers that control to a slider
 that travels along a horizontal surface.  A keyboard can be "drawn" on that
 flat surface showing where to "slide" the control to so that you get in the
 vicinity of the correct pitch. >>



larry,
thanks for the info and the url.
gee, and all these years i thought the "good vibrations" sound was a 
theremin...... oh well......you are right, though, exact pitch control with a 
theremin is an art. i wonder how long it took clara rockamore to master it?  
i used to have a simple theremin years ago from a swtpc kit and now have 2 
theremin controllers as part of my d****** modular. i must admit that i like 
messing around with them. alternative control devices, however simple or 
complex, personalized or mass produced definitely need to be encouraged!
best,
dave

You're welcome.  When mine arrives I will be sure and update the list.
Larry

----------
> From: DAVEVOSH@...
> To: motm@onelist.com
> Subject: Re: [motm] Tannerin:  Was: Controllers for modulars
> Date: Wednesday, December 01, 1999 9:09 PM
> 
> From: DAVEVOSH@...
> 
> In a message dated 99-11-30 00:04:06 EST, you write:
> 
> << So, the Tannerin transfers that control to a slider
>  that travels along a horizontal surface.  A keyboard can be "drawn" on
that
>  flat surface showing where to "slide" the control to so that you get in
the
>  vicinity of the correct pitch. >>
> 
> 
> 
> larry,
> thanks for the info and the url.
> gee, and all these years i thought the "good vibrations" sound was a 
> theremin...... oh well......you are right, though, exact pitch control
with a 
> theremin is an art. i wonder how long it took clara rockamore to master
it?  
> i used to have a simple theremin years ago from a swtpc kit and now have
2 
> theremin controllers as part of my d****** modular. i must admit that i
like 

> messing around with them. alternative control devices, however simple or 
> complex, personalized or mass produced definitely need to be encouraged!
> best,
> dave
> 
>